Discussion on the Yama APARIGRAHA - Non-Hoarding

Dear Beautiful Moms,

This week we will discuss the Yama Aparigraha (non-hoarding) as interpreted from the Patanjali Yoga Sutras. Scroll to the bottom to delve deeper into the philosophy of yoga and explore the foundational principles outlined in Patanjali Yoga Sutra and the Yamas.

Whether you're new to yoga philosophy or well-versed in its teachings, join us to discover practical techniques for cultivating harmony within yourself and your family.

Description of Aparigraha
Aparigraha can mean both non - possessiveness and non-hoarding.

Aparigraha is the practice of letting go of our attachment to material possessions, ideas, and people. It encourages us to live a simple life and not accumulate more than what we need. It is also about not becoming too attached to our own thoughts and beliefs, which can prevent us from learning and growing.

"What we think we own, actually owns us" - Dr. David Frawley.

How can we see ourselves as custodians of what we own instead of owners.

Having excess things creates worries. There are negative consequences of too many possessions. This includes suspicion and attachment which make the mind heavy and self protective.

Aparigraha can be seen as a way to reduce suffering in our lives. By letting go of our attachment to material possessions, we can free ourselves from the stress and anxiety that often comes with acquiring and maintaining these possessions. Additionally, by letting go of our attachment to our thoughts and beliefs, we can open ourselves up to new experiences and perspectives.

When we take more than we need, we leave less for others. That affects us indirectly as we are all connected. We are one big family!
Patanjali says that when we drop the possessiveness or hoarding attitude towards everything, our mind becomes absolutely free! We don't have any obligations nor any fears. It is then that the true purpose of OUR life is revealed to us!

Examples of what people can be possessive of:

1. People in their lives
2. Past memories
3. Gender of their spouse or child
4. Child's life choices
5. Items they own
6. Money
7. Success
8. Thoughts and beliefs
9. Good behavior

Examples of what people can be hoarding:

1. Items (for e.g. toilet paper during covid)
2. Food
3. Obligations
4. Resentments
5. Rejections
6. Prejudice
7. Regrets
8. Failures

What are the Patanjali Yoga Sutras?
Over 2500 years ago in India, a great sage by the name of Patanjali compiled various texts on Yoga and created an excellent 8 step process called Yoga Sutras to attain "Equanimity of Mind". This process is called Ashtanga Yoga.
In this year of 2024 we will be delving deep into the first two steps - Yama and Niyama. Yama means codes for our relationship with the world. Niyama means code for our relationship with ourselves.

There are 5 Yamas and 5 Niyamas.
YAMAS - Ahimsa (Non - Violence), Satya (Truth), Astheya (Non - Stealing), Aparigraha (Non - Hoarding) and Brahmacharya (Path of the Divine)
NIYAMAS - Santosha (Contentment), Shoucha (Cleanliness or Purity), Tapas ( to burn) , Swadhyaya (Spiritual Study) and Ishvar Pranidhan (Surrender to a Higher Power).
In my personal experience I have found that when we apply Yamas and Niyamas to our lives, we let go of behavior that 'binds the mind'. We can experience a true freedom in our mind. The freedom to love, enjoy and be happy!

Every month we will explore one topic.
Hope you can join me in this journey of self-awareness and self-introspection!
Dive into the world of yoga philosophy and explore techniques to free your mind from stress and limitations.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced yogi, this event is perfect for anyone seeking inner peace and self-transformation.
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth.